Teej, Special Festival for Women.

Teej, a special festival for women, has become a celebration of men as well. If you see the dance or listen the Teej songs, you cannot find a solo voice of a woman, rather man will accompany them. However, fasting is special for women because men do not accompany for this.

I remember, it must be about 10/12 years ago, I used to go to invite married sisters. My dad used to plan where to send me and brothers to invite sisters. In Teej, the earlier night of the main day, the sisters gather to their parents’ home and cook delicious food, known as DAR in Nepali term. Then, at the special day, they remain fasting and dance to the songs for the whole day, meeting their friends who has gone to their husband’s house. Now, I am in Kathmandu, missing all these events.

Due to the change in societies and development of the technology, the system of celebrating Teej has been changed. Instead of singing their own songs filled up with the ups and downs of life, relation with mother-in-law and hard physical labour in their houses has been taken by the amusing songs. Not only that, vulgarity has taken place. Teej songs are not typical now a days. DAR is eaten several times around this festival. 

What is the special in Teej?

Teej is important for both married and unmarried Hindu women. Unmarried girls stay fasting and worship Mahadev so that they could get the husband suitable for her, dedicated and lovely. Married women worship for the long life of their husbands. The fourth day, also known as Rishi Panchami is the final day of this festival. On this day, women go to the nearest stream or River, take a bath and participate in Puja (worship). It is believed that the relationship between husband and wife will be more stronger. For unmarried, they will get a lovely and dedicated husband. Women gather in one place and talk with their friends about their household and this and that. They feel nice to meet each other after a long time.

Healthcamp in Kathmandu during the Teej celebration

The first day- Dar Khane din

The second day- fasting, singing and dancing

The third day- Ganesh chaturdashi

The fourth day- Rishi Panchami

Women ready to dance during the Teej festival

The Myth

Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas stayed fasting and worship with a wish of getting Lord Mahadev as her husband. Her strong and dedicated worship became success. After that, Hindu women started to follow the same tradition.